Belgian public transport operator De Lijn has awarded contracts for the supply of 290 battery-electric buses to manufacturers BYD, Iveco and VDL, as part of its broader strategy to electrify its fleet by 2035. The deal, valued at 185 million euros, is part of a larger procurement effort that may include 500 more units later in 2025.
China’s BYD secured the largest share of the current order with 140 solo 12-metre electric buses, likely under a framework agreement from late 2023 that allows for up to 500 vehicles. Iveco and VDL were awarded contracts for 100 and 50 articulated electric buses, respectively. De Lijn confirmed that the first vehicles from this batch are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026.
To support its transition, De Lijn has also made significant investments in charging infrastructure. In February 2025, the company awarded a €24.2 million contract to SPIE-Ekoenergetyka for the supply of 600 to 900 depot charging stations. The agreement falls under an eight-year framework that allows for up to 1,600 charging points across its network.
“De Lijn is committed to emission-free transport and a better environment for all,” the company said. The Flemish transit agency has exclusively procured battery-electric buses since 2022 and recently phased out its hydrogen-powered fleet. Previous electric bus orders include 100 units from Irizar, 181 from MAN, and 32 articulated buses from Iveco.